Free Agent Stock Watch: Marco Scutaro

Few trade deadline acquisitions have had as much impact as Marco Scutaro, who has hit .341/.361/.447 in 44 games for the Giants after being acquired from the Rockies for prospect Charlie Culberson. He's continued to show off his trademark versatility by filling in at third base while Pablo Sandoval was hurt before taking over second full-time.

Scutaro, 36, owns a .293/.336/.388 overall batting line this season between Colorado and San Francisco. He hit .299/.358/.423 in 445 plate appearances for the Red Sox a year ago, before they exercised his $6MM option and traded him to the Rockies. Other than that versatility, Scutaro's calling card is his ability to make contact and get on-base. He's struck out in just 7.8% of his plate appearances this year, the second lowest mark in baseball. His career 8.7% walk rate is rock solid as well.

Earlier this week Scutaro made it clear that he would like to return to the Giants next season, so much so that he would be open to re-signing during the exclusive negotiating period after the World Series. The upcoming free agent class is light on quality middle infielders though, so his services will definitely be in high demand especially when you factor in his strong second half performance for a contender.

Scutaro originally signed a two-year $12.5MM contract with the Red Sox prior to the 2010 season (plus the option), and I don't think it's completely out of the question that he signs a similar multiyear deal this winter despite being three years older. The middle infield market offers few viable alternatives, and his versatility means he won't be locked into one position. The Giants are shedding Freddy Sanchez's $6MM salary after the season, money that could be easily reinvested in the team's current second baseman.

He is a good spray/gap hitter, patient at the plate and all.. Has a “fair” glove, but to sign him to a 2/12m deal at the age of 36 is asking for another Juan uribe type and I like Scutaro, just it is risky.

I totally agree. I also don’t think there will be a ton of demand for him outside SF. I’m sure many teams would love to have him as a utility player, but I can’t see any team being excited about giving him a multi year deal. I expect a 1 year deal in the neighborhood of 5 mil with a 2nd year mutual option that guarantees a smallish buyout if Scutaro exercises his half and the Giants decline.

I can definitely see.the phillies guaranteeing him 2 years with an option for a third year if hes willing to play third base. Something around 2/10-12 with the option being 5-6 or a buyout of a million. As lonv as they are getting an rbi guy to play the outfield they will try to get him if he goes to free agency. Im pretty sure they dont wanna depend on kevin fransden to be the everyday third basemen next season… And he could slide into our number 2 spot behind rollins. I didnt know he was going to be a free agent and didnt know he could play third. I honestly would love seeing scutaro come to philly. Hes as consistent as they come. Very good player. There defintely will be other suitors then just the giants though thats for sure. Not saying he wont be in sf next year tho but im pretty sure hes gonna get more then one gaurenteed year. With the little amount of good infielders, especially a good hitter that can play all 3 spots, I can actually see a team gaurenteeing him 3 years just to be able to get him…

granted it’s not always a good thing that he makes contact on every pitch he swings at, but it’s still impressive. if he can get his walk-rate back up over 8%, he’ll go right back to being a pretty valuable hitter